Food guide
Tuna
Tuna is best left until 12 months, and then offered no more than once a week. Tuna carries more mercury than most fish, and mercury builds up over time in a baby's developing nervous system. Salmon, sardines, trout and cod are lower-mercury ways to give your baby oily fish sooner.
How to serve at this age
6-12 months: Not recommended - choose a lower-mercury fish instead. 12+ months: Canned light tuna (skipjack) only, well flaked and checked for bones, stirred into mashed vegetables, pasta or a soft sandwich filling. A serving at ages 1-3 is about 1 oz (30 g), up to once a week.
Nutrition
Excellent source of protein and omega-3s. Contains selenium and B vitamins. Good iron source.
A note from the editors
Not all tuna is equal. Canned light or skipjack tuna is the lowest in mercury. Albacore, white and yellowfin tuna are higher - keep those to older children. Bigeye tuna is on the official avoid list and should never be given to a child.
Good to know
Fish is a common allergen - introduce it on its own and watch for a reaction. Limit tuna to one small serving a week because of mercury, and always choose canned light (skipjack) over albacore, white or yellowfin. Never serve bigeye tuna.
